Thai court sentences two Iranians in bomb plot

BANGKOK, Aug. 22 (UPI) -- A Thai court Thursday sentenced two Iranians, one to life in prison and the other to 15 years, in the attempted bombing in Bangkok last year.

Sentenced to life was Saied Moradi, 29, who lost both his legs when an explosive device went off as he tried to throw it at police during the incident in February 2012, CNN reported, quoting police spokesman Phanom Chuathong. He was found guilty of attempted murder, causing explosions and violating gun laws.

Muhammad Khazaei, 43, received the 15-year sentence for causing explosions and causing damage to public and private property.

Both had denied the charges.

Police arrested the two as they tried to escape when explosives blew up their residential compound. The two were on the streets when Moradi was accused of trying to toss explosives at police, but which accidentally went off tearing off his legs.

A third suspect, who escaped, was later captured in Malaysia where he remains in custody, Voice of America reported.

CNN said the court also ordered the two men to pay reparations of about $62,300 for the damage they caused.

Thai authorities say five people escaped from their compound after the explosions. Besides the suspect in custody in Malaysia, the remaining two have not been captured.

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